Posts Tagged With: Taos

Gay Pride in Taos in KCP was a colorful event–dogs in bright sweaters, a drag queen with a full length rainbow boa, and happy dancers on the grass. I went to catch up with friends and listen to the music. My son’s didn’t really want to go with me until they found out there would be extreme religious protesters present. Maybe they could do a sneak attack with squirt guns? My husband suggested water balloons with rainbow paint inside.

When we got to the event, though, the reality of the protesters was way too intimidating. They had congregated at one end of the park, wearing matching hats and T-shirts, yelling disgusting and hostile things through their mega-phones. Police were present. Anyone coming in or out of the park had to walk right by them.

That’s when I noticed three teen boys holding up hand-made signs, welcoming people who dared to cross the line of hate. I don’t remember what the signs said (and didn’t have my camera!), but the messages were all about love and acceptance. Inspired by this, my sons went home with their friends to create a sign of their own–Jesus Proclaimeth That Hate Achieves Nothing.

I live in a town of 6,000 people, 20 churches, 30 art galleries, one Non-Super Wal-Mart, and no shopping malls. Bare dirt walkways exceed the number of side-walks by a large margin. And I like it that way.

But it is still full of surprises. A month ago, a chapter of PFLAG started here. And then a dedicated young man, Robert Quintana, began organizing a Gay Pride event for this summer, the first ever.

It started with The Gayest Bake Sale Ever. Which raised $1,400!

I just love this flier!

Keep an eye out for the Gayest Car Wash Ever. Just kidding! But there really will be a huge car wash in early August to raise money for Pride. And dozens of clean cars in town for days afterwards.

After that, there will be galas and parties, culminating Pride in the Park, a picnic with booths, live music, entertainment, and freebies. Come join the fun on August 21st at Kit Carson Park!